The Final Curtain Never Closes
The Final Curtain Never Closes
Playlist by The Final Curtain Never ClosesThe National Museum of Funeral History presents The Final Curtain Never Closes, a podcast that tells the stories about the people behind our final rite of passage. This series is part of the museum's…60 clip(s) in playlist
A Tribute to NMFH Founder Robert L. Waltrip
This bonus episode pays tribute to Robert L. Waltrip, who passed away on February 27th, 2023. Host and museum president/CEO Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez is joined by museum chairman Robert M. Boetticher, Sr. They talk about Mr. Waltrip's impact on the funeral industry and museum, as well as their uniq…
37:31
How Our Smallest Coin Shaped American History
Genevieve sits down with her father, numismatist Larry Hoefer, in front of the Abraham Lincoln exhibit to trace the rise and fall of the American penny. They explore colonial coinage, foreign influences, funeral‑related artifacts, and why the cent’s long story is quietly coming to an end. Five Key…
1:02:47
Born Without Arms, He Outlived Doctors' Expectations
What can a man born without arms teach us about life and death? Genevieve welcomes Gabriel Najera to the show. Gabriel overcame physical challenges to become an entrepreneur and international motivational speaker. He discusses learning to drive, starting a business, and achieving success. From l…
48:57
The Many Faces of Grief and a New Tool for Healing
Guardian [AI]ngels founder John Kammer joins Genevieve to share how repeated loss, addiction, and recovery led him to create an AI‑supported grief journaling platform based on Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning, helping people process pain, preserve memories, and move forward while maintaining endurin…
56:51
Making CENTS of Funerary Customs
Delve into the rich history and symbolism of coins beyond funerary practices in this intriguing discussion. Numismatist Larry Hoefer, a seasoned coin collector, sheds light on the traditions of burying coins with the deceased and the profound symbolism embedded in this practice. Explore a captiva…
43:19
What Happens to Implants After Cremation: The Truth About Metal Recycling
Don Winsett explains how recycled implants and metals from cremation are safely refined, reduce environmental impact, and often fund charitable donations, transforming medical devices into a final act of generosity through transparent, regulated practices. Plan your visit to the museum today at nm…
41:55
Haunting Stories of the Museum's Hometown
What if some of your hometown's oldest, most haunted spaces were hidden in plain sight? What if they were so hidden, you quite literally walk and/or drive by them every day? The hometown in question is the museum's hometown of Houston, Texas. And today's guest, Texana Tours founder Richard Cook,…
1:08:35
When a QR Code Tells a Life Story
Life’s QR turns headstones and urns into portals for rich digital memorials, combining biographies, photos, videos, guest books, and family trees to preserve stories, support genealogy, and give mourners worldwide a lasting place to visit, remember, and connect. Learn more about Life's QR here. P…
39:32
The Role of Crematoriums in Metal Recycling and Conservation
What makes recycling metals from cremations crucial for both the environment and society? Mike McKenna, director of Recycling and Development with Core Scientific, discusses the importance of a circular economy for repurposing metals from cremations. This process not only conserves precious resour…
42:18
Gathering, Grief, and the Life Box: How to Have Hard Conversations at the Table
Ashley Gould shares how simple, intentional gatherings around the table can ease hard conversations about illness, death, and legacy, using ethical wills and “life boxes” so families stay connected, prepared, and better able to honor end-of-life wishes. Ashley's podcast On the Table with Ashleyher…
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